Bag o’ tricks
January 21, 2004)
When I was in junior high school, I hated carrying a purse. On more than one occasion, I remember Ricky asking whether I had a Kleenex or a pen or a piece of gum. Anything, really.
My response was always “No,” and his reply to that was usually something like, “You’re a girl. You should have these kinds of things with you.”
I can only guess that my then-teenage brother took his cues about ladies from my mother and her mother, both of whom carried their whole lives in a handbag. They were always prepared for anything.
Sniffly? Here’s a tissue. Hungry? Here’s a candy bar. Don’t like candy bars? Have some crackers, instead.
Years later, I realize I have become a full-fledged bag lady. If I don’t have my wallet, keys, cellphone, journal, make-up bag, pencil bag and camera with me at all times, I feel naked. Sometimes, I try to lighten my load by leaving the camera or journal at home, but those are the days that I happen to see something amazing or beautiful and I kick myself for not being able to document it properly.
If I could stuff the whole world inside a handbag, I would.
I'm Christine, and this is a slice of my life—a sweet, rich, wildly indulgent slice that would taste really good with a scoop of Breyers vanilla bean ice cream. Read more >>
I run a darling, friendly, little graphic design studio.
I look on the bright side.
I take photos. Lots of photos.
I wish on stars and on websites.
I built my first web site 7 years ago and got 15 seconds of fame. (It changed my life.)
I launched, then relaunched, an online magazine.
I admitted to several embarrassing crushes.
I consumed more bacon than any human should and lived to tell the tales.
It’s beautiful! You have a lucky stone too. I think I’ve seen that change purse before, have you photographed it in the past?
I know what you mean about carrying around lots of technology, it can get really heavy. I am an avid walker so weight is an issue. But sometimes it’s worth it. I have to curb myself when collecting stones for this reason.
hello christine..
for as long as i can remember i have been visiting this site..i heard about it from word of mouth-and i find myself here a lot. i just wanted to tell you that i can never get over the cleverness of this site and the things that you say are so genuine and real; i can relate to them. thank you…things that you have said in the past have made me feel like i am not the only alien on the planet that feels certain ways.
that drawing makes me wish that i had a handbag with contents to draw.
the closest thing i own is my lunchbox and the only things inside of it are drawing supplies, a few buttons, and a yoda action figure.
actually… those would be fun to draw. a little yoda doing ballet in a forest made of crayons.
What a great way to start my day! I love so much your illustration! I’m totally infused with inspiration!
Say, what flavor of Extra is that? I always have a big pack of Extra with me too.
When I was a kid, I always loved that I could ask my mom for anything when we were out and about and she’d usually have it. It was very comforting. I haven’t quite stepped up to the plate myself. My purse is fairly scaled down, but there’s always gum, tissues, lip balm, my G2, and a bottle of Excedrin. So I guess I’m semi-prepared.
Lovely illustration!
Lovely post and I’m now linking to you!
Thanks, everyone!
Lalaine: It’s true, there are other aliens out there, including me.
Lori: It’s cinnamon flavored Extra. What’s a G2, anyway?
I LOVE that coin purse.
I think I have one shoulder that sits lower than the other because I carry so much with me all the time. I tried to only carry a wallet and I always kicked myself for not having this…or not having that. It was a pain. Now it’s just physical pain, which I can handle. Hee hee.
it’s a girl thing, isn’t it? : )
Oh, the G2 is my Canon G2 digital. I like to carry it with me wherever I go.
ur work is starkingly poetic…i also have this thing with my bag…=)
Christine! I really, really love your drawrings :) You are so incredibly talented. Everytime I visit your site I am inspired by something. What is this new business of yours? I miss you! (maybe I should have just emailed!) hehee
hello fellow bag lady! i used to be just like when i was growing up. i never understood the wonderful world of handbags until college. can you believe it?! well believe it girlfriend. once i started i was in awe with how much i can carry. i think this is what makes us ladies have so much power! we are prepared for anything! woohooo! there are times when i don’t want to carry anything too, but than i’d feel very naked and i would keep having feelings as if i have forgotten something. you know…i hate having that feeling.
ps. wonderful illustrations!
I love the illustration! I have a micron pen, too!! I love it!! Hooray for micron pens!!! (:
ps – I love your site!!
I hated carrying around purses too, but now since I’ve grown and want to be more girlish, I looooove bags. Especially designer ones. Or handmade.
are men allowed to carry handbags? i would if i could. i don’t like carrying belongings in my pockets. it feels akward at times.
well, i still hate to carry a hand bag around,, which explains why i lost my wallet!
I find it’s hard to NOT go to bag lady status when you’re carrying a bag. I purposely carry the smallest purses I can find so that I CAN’T put a ton of stuff in there – but then I want a book and my stationery etc etc and then I’m carrying a bag AND a small purse. It’s just inescapable.
that’s incredibly pretty…
myself, i carry the world around with me. i feel weird if i’m not armed & ready for disaster (or adventure).
I’m a girl scout but I don’t have as much stuff as your mother and grandma have in their bags. I only have kleenex, mint and some chocolate candies for when hungry.
I have a phone with a cam so I guess that’s a good thing. I don’t have much space for a camera in my bag.
Your entries always interest me. You are an inspiration Christine. Keep on inspiring others. ^_^
Curious to know what it says on your business cards… What box have you stepped in to?
Great site. I am always looking for inspiration. Lovely to find it.
Thanks again, everyone, for the overwhelmingly kind and lovely response! xo.
currently, my bag is this big canvass tote with a cat illustration
contents:
my sketchpad
hardbound journal
black billfold where I keep important cards
coin purse
hairbrush
pop9 camera
2 pens (green and blue)
a filipino magazine
cellphone
ID
lip balm
housekeys
food (empanada)
bankbook
hand sanitizer
hanky
American Psycho VCD
Shrek VCD
whew! and I carry all of these to work.
more power to you christine. love your site